Take Me to the Circus

  • 2015-02-05

VILNIUS - Young Zoe is bored; her parents, distant and apathetic, ignore her. Her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world - the world of Quidam - where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul.

Quidam, (pronounced “key dam””) which is Latin for ‘anonymous passer-by,’ is an intense and imaginative journey that transforms an alienated world into a place of hope and connection. A nameless passer-by, a solitary figure lingering on a street corner, a person rushing past. It could be anybody. Someone coming, going, or living in our anonymous society. A member of the crowd, one of the silent majority. The one who cries out, sings and dreams within us all. This is the “quidam” this show gives a voice to. This is the place that beckons - a place for dreaming and genuine relations where all quidams, by proclaiming their individuality, can finally emerge from anonymity. This is the “quidam” that Cirque du Soleil is celebrating.

Quidam, the ninth stage show produced by the world-famous Cirque du Soleil, first premiered in 1996 in Montreal. Since that time, the production has toured  five continents and been experienced by millions of people. The production, directed by Franco Dragone, is a thrilling combination of acrobatic artistry, technical expertise, extravagant design and exceptional musical inspiration, which an emotional dramatic thread weaves into a seamless whole by an emotional dramatic thread. Quidam features the German wheel, banquine, Spanish webs, diabolos, aerial contortion in silk and, of course two crazy clowns.

Presented in the 2,544 seat state of the art blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau on the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Quidam turns gravity on its head with an impressive 120-feet overhead conveyor made up of five imposing rails which takes up the entire interior roof surface of the Grand Chapiteau. This system is used to bring artists onto the stage and to create a multitude of special effects. There are approximately 250 costumes, 500 costume items and 200 shoes in Quidam!

Quidam is the first show to use everyday clothing—though adapted—in its acrobatic acts. The broken colours used for the costumes—from blue to pink tones—create a dramatic effect and add to the show’s gloomy overall atmosphere. The basic material used for nearly all the costumes is stretch linen—a new innovation that gives them a worn look. Other materials used include leather, jute, linen crepe, wool, velvet and 42 types of cotton.
The average age of the cast is 28: the oldest artist is 50, while the youngest is 13.

What makes Cirque du Soleil’s shows so unique and enthralling is that, though based on conceptual storylines, the performances and artistry are what makes each show so memorable and different. It’s all about imagination - for both the creators as well as for the audience. And that’s why Cirque du Soleil is so popular and loved.

Quidam is the vision of the same creative team that conceived Cirque du Soleil’s Las Vegas-based O and Mystere, La Nouba at Walt Disney World in Orlando, and the award-winning Alegria and Saltimbanco. Led by Director Franco Dragone, the team includes Gilles Ste-Croix (director of creation), Dominique Lemieux (costumes), Michel Crete (set design), Debra Brown (choreography), Francois Bergeron (sound design), Luc Lafortune (lighting design), Benoit Jutras (musical director and composer) and Serge Roy (artistic director).

Forty-six extremely talented performers will surely provide the best show of the year with an extremely interesting story behind. Probably the best show of the year in Vilnius.
Quidam is like everything in the Cirque du Soleil repertoire: spectacular, artistic and entertaining. Cirque has grown into a well-oiled machine since its humble beginnings, but every production always taps into your own imagination.
And isn’t that what a circus is all about?

Cirque du Soleil “Quidam”
March 19 – 22, Siemens Arena
Ticket price 39 – 118 euros
Tickets can be purchased at: www.tiketa.lt